CASSEL STATUS FOR CHIEFS NFL OPENER MURKY AS OPENING DAY NEARS

The Kansas City Chiefs had hoped that the status of Matt Cassel’s injury would make their starting QB decision clearer as the week progressed.  Unfortunately, if anything it has become murkier as game day draws near.  Though Cassel has returned to practice and become more involved in drills during the week, neither he nor the team has been any more committal on his status for the Chiefs’ NFL opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Beyond that, there’s been no real confirmation from either he or the team as to when he’ll return to action at all.

Cassel injured his knee in a preseason game and has returned to practice wearing a protective brace.  Ironically, the QB saw his stock shoot up precipitously following his solid play in New England after starter Tom Brady went down to a season ending injury.  Cassel signed a six year, $28 million contract with the Chiefs in the off season.  

Earlier in the week, Todd Haley was noncommittal about whether Cassel, Tyler Thigpen or Brodie Croyle would start Sunday’s NFL regular season opener on the road against the Baltimore Ravens:

"I think that as the week goes on, we'll know a little bit more. We'll know a little bit more with Matt for sure. But it was good that he was out there. He was able to get through some things. As the week goes on a little further, we'll know a little more as far as where he's at."

"It's good this is a long week. That will help with anybody who's nicked up. I would say generally you would need to have a full practice to have a chance to play. Generally, you need to have a full Friday practice to have a chance."

He later backtracked on that statement somewhat:

"I think this is something that will go down to the wire with the quarterback. On game day, we'll still be trying to figure it out."

Regardless of who starts, Haley doesn’t expect much to change in terms of his team’s approach to the game:

"I don't think a whole bunch of change really for any of those guys. It might be a little more shotgun, a little less gun, or there might be different things you do for different guys. But other than that I think the game is, especially now...it's almost go time."

Cassel initially sounded like he’d play in the opening game:

"As long as I'm able to walk and get out there, I will be ready to go. It's up to them to pull me back."

Later in the same statement, however, he backtracked on his readiness to get back on the field:

"My knees feel pretty good and I wouldn't be out there if I wasn't up for the challenge. Ultimately, it's going to be up to the trainers to decide whether I'm ready to go and it's up to coach to determine whether I should play.”

Some NFL observers are speculating that Haley already knows whether Cassel will be able to go, but is keeping things ‘under wraps’ for competitive reasons.  Linesmakers haven’t shown too much concern about the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, and have installed Kansas City as a +13 road underdog to the Ravens with the total set at 36.